Something Missing

This was a great book, quite a page-turner. I was surprised at

This was a great book, quite a page-turner. I was surprised at how much I liked it, despite the main character being a "thief."

Fun

Out of the ordinary funny mystery.

There is Nothing Missing Here!

This book is the second one that I have read from Matthew Dicks and he once again proves he has a talent for creating unique and impelling characters. Martin is a burglar but not the usual kind. He locates "clients" who he can mostly steal small items that the homeowners will never notice missing. He has very strict criteria for determining his "clients" and each excursion to their home his carefully planned to the minutest of details.

Martin takes anything that won't be missed, even food from the refrigerator, laundry detergent, and other mundane products. He would never take anything he perceives as important to the "clients."

Martin gets to know just about everything about his "clients" and cares very much when something happens to get them into trouble. Like the husband who has not paid attention to his wife, and with a little secret prodding from Martin, could make their relationship blossom anew.

Martin has been doing this for several years and he will "drop" his "clients' when they no longer meet his strict criteria. Eventually, some of his "clients" needs become a little more high stakes and Martin has to make decisions as to whether he will break some of his own rules.

The author is amazing, coming up with another character (as in Unexpectedly Milo) that has so many quirks but is intriguing at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more books from the amazing talent of Mr. Dicks.

Not For Mystery/Thriller Readers

Whether you like this book or not will depend on how you came about to read it. My genre is mystery, thriller, suspense. I found this book on the Edgar Nominee qualification list for best 2010 first novel. It does not belong on that list as there is no mystery, no thrills and no real suspense. Some anal retentive guy makes his living burlarizing suburban houses over and over again, taking things the owners will not miss, including all the grocery store food and necessaries for his own pitiful, non-fulfilling existence. Every so often he will steal something of real value like jewelry or silver when he is convinced that the owner has forgotten about the item. He then sells it on ebay under a fictional character of his own creation for which he is so proud. If you think risking getting caught stealing toilet paper from a neighbor makes for suspense, then this book is for you. Is Martin "quirky" as promoted...yes...is he likeable or identifiable...absolutely not. Those who enjoy brainless, light, quick reading might give this one a thumbs up, but if Dennis Lehane, Stephen Hunter and/or Michael Connelly are more to your liking than I guarantee you will be bored reading this book that will make your all time worst list.

A great off-the-beaten-track mystery.

Where oh where did the author come up with his main character and subject of this mystery? It's so totally different and fun to read. I was on pins and needles for what was to come next. The main character, though totally frustrating, was absolutely endearing. We're reading this one for our book club and will be meeting with the author. I can't wait for the discussion. His characters are well developed. The plot was completely off beat - a little like Monk, but living on the other side of the law. There was no uncomfortable language or plot situations. The reader can't help but fall in love with his characters. This is a great read for any age group.

Entertaining and Original

This is the kind of book that's perfect to read on a plane -- a quick read that's light and lots of fun. And it was unique, which made up for the subplot that dragged too much for my liking. Martin is a likable thief because he is, in so many ways, pathetic and charming at the same time. I got worried when it looked the story would veer off into a soupy romantic comedy, but thankfully that didn't happen. There are lots of nit-picky details in this book, which could have been bumps for me, but they were there to further highlight Martin's OCD, and most times I didn't mind the areas that were too heavily descriptive.

The author has a nice writing style and a good sense of humor, which I appreciated. I thought parts of the story were contrived at times, but all in all I enjoyed it. It was worth the money to buy and worth the time to read. It was an entertaining and original book.

How clever and original!

This was a great book. The main character is one-of-a-kind and you really feel for him despite his, let's say, profession. The story is original and the writing fast-paced. This was a great read that I'll definitely be lending out to my friends.

A relatively good, short read.

Overall the book was above average, Martin is very quirky and it drives the story along. The book could have been longer, a little more exciting but it was well worth the read, and it leaves you thinking, what if?

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